Derrick Hodge’s “Heartbeats” is jazz guitar perfection

The second single off Derrick Hodge’s upcoming album, Color of Noize, has recently been released. “Heartbeats” is a laid-back, guitar-driven track, soaked in Pat Metheny vibes. A tastefully restrained piano plays against Hodge’s guitar, providing an extra soulful layer to the song. Compared to the previous single from Color of Noize, “Not Right Now,” “Heartbeats” highlights Hodge’s compositional versatility and his band’s ability to effortlessly glide through a host of jazz styles.

UPDATE 6/19: We thought it important to mention Hodge’s reply to us after seeing this review, saying that he hopes the song and album is “seen beyond the lens of ‘Jazz’ and speaks to people in its own way.” This is an important thing to consider when listening to his music, which is rooted in his jazz background but truly transcends. – ed.

Thanks for support🙏🏾 Hoping it’s seen beyond the lens of “Jazz” and speaks to people in its own way.

— Derrick Hodge (@derrickhodge) June 19, 2020

Color of Noize will be released on June 26th, and will be Hodge’s third release through Blue Note Records. The album showcases the “fluidity of sound” to “inspire a sense of collective ownership over that sound’s development and interpretation.” Hodge describes the album as “a new artistic heartbeat that’s about acceptance. It all relates to the spirit of now, not overly thinking, and moving forward.”

Color of Noize marks Hodge’s first album that solely features a live band. It features Jahari Stampley and Michael Aaberg on keys, Mike Mitchell and Justin Tyson on drums, DJ Jahi Sundance on turntables, and Hodge on keys, bass, guitar, and voice.

Purchase Derrick Hodge’s “Heartbeats” here. Pre-order Color of Noize here, and watch the album trailer below.